beer o'clock: Stone the Crows: Thirsty Wagga Wagga ? Have you got a great new Brewery Part 1.

Just under two weeks ago, on a whim it was decided a visit to country NSW was required to check out the recent AIBA trophy winner for Champion Hybrid Beer and newly opened Thirsty Crow Brewery in Wagga Wagga.
It is now approximately six months since this brewery first opened its doors and according to brewer Craig Wealands it has been busy busy busy.
We arrived in Wagga Wagga at approximately 6.30pm in darkness, we were staying at a pub called Romano's in Fitzmaurice St luckily not too far from the Thirsty Crow in nearby Kincaid St, the Brewery conveniently was on the way to our digs so we were able to drive past to get our bearings, we easily found the Brewery, it was already buzzing.
I was now very keen to get there, but first things first, get to our accomodation and get ready to "hit the town".

Romano's Hotel.

Snacking at Romano's

After checking in at Romano's Hotel, we got spruced up then headed downstairs for a quick drink, this pub is apparently one of Wagga Wagga's more popular nightime destinations, with live music and DJ's, they have the usual macro tap range, some craftbeers by the bottle, there are many many large screen TV's adorning the bars and outside, Romano's is also the home of rugby in Wagga Wagga.
A glass of white wine and a LC Bright Ale ordered we went outside to sit and plan the evening. It was decided we should have a snack prior to going to the Brewery, so we ordered a mixed dip plate, some deep fried sushi and some arancini balls, these arrived quickly, were very tasty and hit the spot, another round of drinks were consumed then it was time to head off around the corner to The Thirsty Crow the whole purpose of the night.

Looking into the Brewery from the front window.

Nearly there.

It was a "long" walk of nearly 5 minutes, past 3 more pubs (one of which was closed ??) and we were there. We were eagerly greeted at the door by the security guard and wandered in. The brewery was full, big groups, small groups, couples, families, all seated around a spacious area with an assortment of tables/chairs/stools, packing crates/barrels and couches, there was a gas fire pumping out the heat and a foosball table for the kids, some of the tables had cutouts in them and were full of different malts for your sensory pleasure. The walls were adorned with local art and the bar and kitchen area were a hive of activity.
We quickly found a table and I was even quicker to order a tasting paddle of 5 of the 6 Thirsty Crow brews on tap that night. There were 8 taps pouring, with two reserved this night for guest beers/ciders they were White Rabbit Dark Ale and Pipsqueak Cider.
In the brewery it was all happening, with Craig working away busily whilst we all drank his wares.

Tasting paddle. R-L minus the White Rabbit, Jiminy Cricket & cider.

Tap Fonts.

My paddle consisted of the Kolsch, Hefeweizen, Red Light Ale, Liquid Bacon (a seasonal) and the Robust Porter. I chose not to try Jiminy Cricket at this point, (this is the AIBA award winning Vanilla Milk Stout), I planned to enjoy this one by the pint later in the evening.
My wife chose the local CSU bubbles to enjoy whilst I got stuck into the paddle.

Robust Porter, Liquid Bacon, Red Light Ale, Hefe, Kolsch L-R.

The Kolsh was true to style and very sessionable, a tasty lager, the Hefe too was true to style and easy drinking, next up on the paddle was the Red Light Ale, now here is a light beer with some body, color and flavour.
At 2.9% it is hopped with Galaxy hops so it has a big vibrant nose and the tasty citrus hop bitterness to finish, a superb lower alcohol beer.
Number four was the first seasonal beer Liquid Bacon. WOW oh WOW!! What a beer, a rauchbier that had smoke, bacon/ham hocks on the nose, it was even the colour of raw bacon so smooth and balanced the only thing missing were the eggs. This is a must try beer if you love all things smoky like me, it would make an awesome breakfast beer, something often discussed in the craftbeer world of late.
Last up was the Robust Porter, a rich chocolatey mouthful very smooth and satisfying, a great way to finish the paddle and my first beer ordered post paddle.

Paddle nearly completed. Menu at hand.

The food was coming out around us at a fast rate, cheese platters, antipasto and "craft pizza's" all these aroma's were now making us a bit peckish again. It was time to order a pizza and another round of drinks, I would enjoy a schooner of Robust Porter and again bubbles for my wife. I was too absorbed in the beer by now to take a photo of our pizza, but it was very tasty and we would gladly order anything on the menu, as it was all beautifully presented.
We devoured our pizza, my wife was now thinking it was time for red wine and I was ready for Jiminy Cricket, the AIBA award winning Vanilla Milk Stout, duly ordered and savioured, this is one smooth drop, rich, creamy head dark roasty malt, subtle vanilla, silky smooth and nicely balanced, a worthy trophy winner and co-incidently Craig's first brewing attempt at stout, this was my choice for dessert.

Jiminy Cricket Vanilla Milk Stout.

Jiminy and the AIBA Award.

After another pint of Jiminy (and a red for my wife) it was coffee time, this was also delicious, locally roasted coffee made with love and a perfect end to the evening at the Thirsty Crow.
It was now about 11:00 pm, the crowd inside had thinned out a little, but Craig the brewer was still hard at work, preparing for tomorrow's brewing schedule.
We had enjoyed a lovely evening so far in Wagga Wagga, but it was time to push on for tomorrow at midday I would be back at The Thirsty Crow for a Brewery tour and another taste, so it was time to retire..... or so I thought.

To be continued..............................................................................................